Russian government to crack down on illegal file-sharing

Torrent Freak reports that authorities in Russia's Interior Ministry are currently carrying out nationwide checks on ISPs' local networks that could see prosecutions brought as early as next month.

The local networks present in the infrastructure of ISPs provide users with access to a wealth of legal content and services but, as with other territories, they also facilitate illegal activity.

Results for the audit that is currently being taken by the Interior Ministry's cyber crime department should be available either late this month or early next.

Representatives from three of Russia's largest ISPs have, however, told Vedomosti.ru that they are unaware that any such investigation is underway.

Extending liability to intermediaries when it comes to copyright infringement is one part of a series of amendments to the country's Civil Code proposed by President Dmitry Medvedev, Torrent Freak notes. They could come into force as early as September.